4.4
(690)
3,334
riders
171
rides
Mountain biking around Sainte-Croix-Aux-Mines features a landscape characterized by varied elevations, including passes and hills, with routes often traversing forested areas and offering views of the surrounding valleys. The region's terrain provides a mix of challenging climbs and scenic descents, suitable for different skill levels. Trails frequently incorporate historical elements, such as old mining towers, adding to the exploration experience.
Last updated: October 8, 2026
4.0
(4)
23
riders
32.5km
03:30
1,020m
1,020m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
35.3km
03:46
1,230m
1,240m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

11
riders
27.0km
02:41
850m
850m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
15
riders
99.9km
10:12
2,890m
2,890m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(1)
11
riders
57.1km
05:39
1,610m
1,610m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Officially, access to the castle is unfortunately blocked due to rockfall (with warning tape and official notice)
0
0
Nice shelter, viewpoint 200m further, good camping possibilities!
1
0
During the week and outside of the holidays, the crowds are bearable
5
0
One of the most beautiful rooms in the castle. Weapons and armor can be admired here.
10
1
Actually, everything that needs to be said about the castle has already been said. I would like to mention the entrance fees as a positive point. Adults €12, with a guided tour €14 All parking is free, whether in the forest parking lot or on the access road. When I think of Hohenzollern Castle in Hechingen, though...🙆
6
0
At the end of the ridge, at an altitude of 443 meters, lies Ortenbourg Castle, built between 1260 and 1265 by Rudolf Habsburg and one of the most beautiful ruins in the Rhine Valley. A masterpiece of military architecture, with its high gorge surrounding a 32-meter-long dungeon, it is visible from afar and blends perfectly into the landscape. This dungeon offered six levels of defensive fire, and its pentagonal design allowed for better deflection of attackers' projectiles. The recently founded association "Les sentinelles de l'Ortenbourg" (Ortenbourg Sentinels) aims to preserve, expand, and revitalize the castle.
8
0
Frankenbourg Castle has been officially closed since April 2025 due to rockfall. You can only get within a few hundred meters. Unfortunately, due to the dense forest, you can't see it. Instead, I recommend the southern Chateau de Saint Ulrich, which is a lovely hike from Ribeauville.
1
0
There are over 150 mountain bike trails in the Sainte-Croix-Aux-Mines region. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from easy rides to challenging ascents, catering to various skill levels.
Yes, Sainte-Croix-Aux-Mines offers a selection of easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners. There are 11 easy routes available, providing a gentle introduction to the region's varied terrain. These trails often traverse forested areas with less demanding elevations.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Sainte-Croix-Aux-Mines has 45 difficult mountain bike trails. One such demanding route is the Petit Haut Pass – Roche Belle Vue loop from Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, which features significant elevation changes and leads to scenic viewpoints over 23.3 miles (37.6 km).
Trail lengths and durations vary significantly. For example, the Miners' Tower in Echery – SMAM Tower loop from Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines is 14.7 miles (23.6 km) and typically takes around 2 hours 32 minutes. Another route, The Kast hairpins in Lièpvre – Ribeauville pass loop from Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, covers 15.1 miles (24.3 km) and can be completed in about 1 hour 21 minutes.
Yes, many mountain bike routes in Sainte-Croix-Aux-Mines are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Sainte-Marie Pass – Old boundary marker loop from Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines and the Pépinière du Paradis – Cascade des Molières loop from La Bouille.
The best season for mountain biking in Sainte-Croix-Aux-Mines is generally from spring through autumn. During these months, the weather is typically more stable, and the trails are in optimal condition. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out, especially for higher elevations where conditions can change rapidly.
Absolutely. The region is known for its scenic beauty. Many trails offer panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forested hills. You can also find natural monuments like Reptile Rock or Three Little Tables Rock, which are accessible via various routes.
Yes, the region has a rich mining history, and many trails incorporate historical elements. You'll often find old mining towers and other remnants of the past along the routes, adding a unique cultural dimension to your ride. The Miners' Tower in Echery – SMAM Tower loop is a prime example, exploring historical mining areas.
The mountain bike trails in Sainte-Croix-Aux-Mines are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 475 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the mix of challenging climbs and scenic descents, and the well-maintained paths through forested landscapes.
Yes, the area around Sainte-Croix-Aux-Mines is dotted with historical castles. While not directly on every trail, you can find impressive structures like Saint-Ulrich Castle, Girsberg Castle, and Haut-Ribeaupierre Castle within the broader region, offering interesting detours or post-ride exploration.
While many trails are best accessed by car, some starting points in the broader region may be reachable via local bus services. It's advisable to check specific route details on komoot or local public transport schedules for the most up-to-date information on accessibility to trailheads.
Parking is generally available near the main trailheads and villages in the Sainte-Croix-Aux-Mines area. Look for designated parking areas in towns like Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines or Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines. Specific parking information is often provided in the route descriptions on komoot.


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